An overview of the specific needs of veterans with disabilities and how professionals can provide both mental health and career/vocational counseling. Open to the public, but specifically geared toward educators, counselors and those in the mental health or allied health professions.

Free Community Meal

Time: 5 – 7 p.m.

Date: Every Wednesday; next, Nov. 6

Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.

More information: feedemsoup.org

For transportation, call 815-293-7433. Diners pay what they can; those who cannot pay can eat for free. Choose from spaghetti with marinara sauce, meatloaf with mashed potatoes or chicken fajitas with rice and beans, all served with soup or salad.

Story time for children up to age 5. Stories, songs and puppet play in Spanish and English so children learn to appreciate two languages. Translations provided.

Needle Workers Bazaar

Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 7

Place: DeKalb Senior Center, 330 Grove St.

Needle workers at the senior center will sell handcrafted items and baked goods in a fundraiser.

Veterans Assistance Presentation

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 7

Place: DeKalb Public Library fireplace

More information: 815-756-9568 or edithc@dkpl.org

The DeKalb County Veterans Assistance Commission will present a program about veteran health care, housing assistance, school loans and other services. Veterans are encouraged to bring their questions.

Computer Class: Files & Folders

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 7

Place: DeKalb Public Library lower level

More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 220

Learn to save and find files on a computer and a flash drive. Laptops will be provided. Register online, at the reference desk or by phone.

One-of-a-kind art, pottery, hand-sewn bags, home decor, kitchenware, jewelry, crafts, Avon, Tastefully Simple, Thirty-One, Tupperware and more. There will be face painting for children, and some vendors will take custom orders for holiday gifts.

Saturday Cinema: 'The Green Berets'

Time: 2 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 9

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

A free screening of the classic film starring John Wayne.

DeKalb Area Artists Sale

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 10

Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Gutter Gains for the Gracie Center

Time: Noon – 3 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 10

Place: Mardi Gras Lanes, 1730 Sycamore Road

Tickets: $20 each

More information: 815-762-3023 or thegraciecenter.org

Tickets include two hours of bowling, pizza and pop for your lane, and entry into a raffle and 50/50 drawing.

This is a free yoga class open to the community. No registration required. All ages and abilities welcome. Wear loose-fitting clothing; mats will be provided.

Blood Drive

Time: Noon – 6 p.m.

Date: Monday, Nov. 11

Place: Holmes Student Center

Blood Drive

Time: 3 – 7 p.m.

Date: Monday, Nov. 11

Place: Grant North, 1250 N. Grant Drive

World Diabetes Day Health Fair

Time: 5 – 7 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 12

Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8334 or kishprograms.org

Free foot checks and healthy appetizers, plus health information on a number of topics. A panel discussion will begin at 6 p.m. There will be a diabetes-friendly dinner from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria for $5. Registration preferred.

Vietnam Veteran's Program

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 12

Place: DeKalb Public Library fireplace

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Michael B.J. Farley will give a program about his experiences as a soldier in the Vietnam War. There will be a question-and-answer session after the 75-minute program.

An NIU professor of communications will discuss the social costs and benefits of unmanned systems, and a professor of technology will discuss the history, design, technology, uses and possible benefits of drones. After a brief, informal talk, participants can ask questions of the experts.

AARP Driver Safety Course

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Dates: Nov. 13 – 14

Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center

Cost: $12 AARP members, $14 nonmembers

More information: 815-748-8962 or kishprograms.org

Two-session class for people 50 and older. No driving test. Participants receive a certificate of completion for auto insurance discount. Registration required.

Blood Drive

Time: 2:45 – 6:45 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 13

Place: Clinton Rosette Middle School, 650 N. First St.

Is Spine Surgery Right for You?

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 13

Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or kishprograms.org

Learn about common spine procedures, when they are appropriate, success rates, and relative level of activity after the surgery. Complimentary dinner served at 6 p.m. Q-and-A after the presentation. Registration required.

Children ages 3-5 can learn how babies look, act and behave, practice holding a baby, visit a newborn, and watch a video on big brothers and sisters. Registration required.

Madrigals at Glidden Homestead

Time: 1 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 17

Place: Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway

Cost: Adults $4, children younger than 14, free

Glidden Homestead will close its 2013 tour season with refreshments, tours and blacksmith demonstrations from noon to 4 p.m. At 1 p.m., the Sycamore High School Madrigals will perform.

Girls Only ... Your Changing Body

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Monday, Nov. 18

Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center

Cost: $10 per family

More information: 815-748-8962 or kishprograms.org

A program for girls ages 9 to 12 and an adult female relative. The natural physical and emotional changes a girl experiences can be overwhelming; knowing what to expect can make the transition smoother. Registration required.

What is Sensory Processing in Children?

Time: 6 – 7 p.m.

Date: Monday, Nov. 18

Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or kishprograms.org

Learn about sensory processing and issues, identify sensory behaviors, and how understanding sensory difficulties can help a child function more successfully. Registration required.

Diabetes Get-Together

Time: 9 – 10 a.m.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 19

Place: KishHealth System Diabetes Education Center

More information: 815-748-8378

Anyone affected by diabetes is invited to share their experiences and learn from others.

Look Good ... Feel Better

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 19

Place: KishHealth System Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Hospital

More information: 815-748-2958

A free program for women and girls actively undergoing cancer treatment. Learn to combat the appearance-related side effects of treatment through makeup, skin care and wigs. All participants receive a free cosmetics kit. Registration required.

Lower Extremity Alignment in Children

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 19

Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or kishprograms.org

Learn about treatment options for conditions such as bow legs, knees and pigeon toes.

NIU alumnus Marissa McGrath will talk about her business, which offers historical walking tours of a pioneer town in Washington state. She will talk about how to research the stories of your community and mold them into a narrative to engage audiences.

GENOA

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Wednesdays; next, Nov. 6

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.

Candlelight Open House

Time: 5 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 7

Place: Downtown Genoa

Downtown shops will be open late with open house specials to start the holiday shopping season.

Wonderful World of Christmas Craft Show

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 10

Place: Genoa-Kingston High School

Cost: Adults $1, students 50 cents

More than 135 vendors, plus bake sales, food booths and more than 300 grab bag gifts. Santa will hear wishes from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Bingo

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Every Tuesday; next, Nov. 12

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Trivia Night

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 14

Place: Prairie State Winery, 217 W. Main St.

Cost: $5 per person to play

More information: 815-784-6048

A fundraiser for the Genoa-Kingston Education Foundation. Play alone or as part of a team. Gift certificates awarded to first, second and third-place finishers.

Line Dancing

Time: 7 – 11:30 p.m.

Date: Third Friday of every month; next, Nov. 15

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Cost: $5

Line dancing by dancers' request. Split floor for couple dances and line dances.

Strides for Hunger

Time: 9 a.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 16

Place: Genoa-Kingston High School

Cost: $30 for 5k, $40 for 10k

Benefit run for the Genoa Food Pantry. Each runner receives a long-sleeved T-shirt and a finisher's medal; prizes will be awarded by age group.

Pork Roast Dinner

Time: 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 16

Place: Faith United Methodist Church, 325 S. Stott St.

Cost: Adults $10, children 6-12 $5, children 5 and younger, free

More information: 815-784-5598

Dinner includes salad and dessert bar. Carry-outs available. Tickets available at the door.

A free class that fulfills the legal requirement for snowmobile riders 12-16 years of age and adults without a valid Illinois drivers license. Children ages 10 and 11 may attend, but will not be certified. Breakfast and lunch are provided at this free class. Registration required.

KIRKLAND

Blood Drive

Time: 3 – 7 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 13

Place: Kirkland Fire Department, 3891 Route 72

Call 815-519-0578 or visit heartlandbc.org to make an appointment.

Kirkland Historical Society Annual Meeting

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20

Place: Olson Chapel, 309 S. Fifth St.

The speaker will be Pat Brennan, on the subject of sheep and stockyards in Kirkland. There will be a display of recently-donated World War II uniforms and memorabilia.

MALTA

College Night

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 6

Place: Kishwaukee College

Financial aid presentation at 6 p.m. Representatives from Kishwaukee and other colleges and universities available to talk with prospective students from 6:30 until 8 p.m.

QuickStart Business Counseling

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Date: Friday, Nov. 15

Place: Kishwaukee College Center for Business Development

More information: Melissa Gallagher, 815-825-2086, ext. 3950

QuickStart sessions are designed to help people in the early stages of starting a business.

SYCAMORE

Story Time

Times: 10 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 7 p.m. Thursday

Dates: Wednesdays and Thursdays through April; next, Nov. 6

Place: Sycamore Public Library

More information: 815-895-2500 or sycamorelibrary.org

For independent children 3 to 6 years old. Caregivers must remain in the library, but need not remain in the room with the children.

Brown bag lunch presentation on the past, present and future of youth soccer in Sycamore.

'Share the Vision'

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 7

Place: Sycamore High School auditorium

Sycamore School District 427 invites to community to learn about the district's goals. Presentations include district vision, finances, facilities, curriculum, Professional Learning Community, student services and community service opportunities for students. Refreshments and an informal Q-and-A will be held in the cafeteria after the program.

Shark Dissection Workshop

Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 7

Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.

Cost: $15 members, $18 nonmembers, $5 observing adults

More information: 815-895-9777 or mmnh.org

Each participant receives their own dogfish shark to dissect. Space is limited; registration required. For ages 8 and older; children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pay-It-Forward House Volunteer Orientation

Time: 11 a.m. – noon

Date: Saturday, Nov. 9

Place: Pay-It-Forward House, 719 Somonauk St.

Learn about volunteer opportunities at the hospital hospitality house.

Fall Wine Event

Time: 1 – 5 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 9

Place: Blumen Gardens, 425 Edwards St.

Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

More information: 815-899-1231

Learn about more than 100 wines. Event includes a free Riedel wine glass and appetizers.

Actors portraying Grant, Lee, Custer and company will look at life 150 years ago. Events featured in "1863" include the Emancipation Proclamation, the Battle of Vicksburg, Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Address. The program will also provide a well-researched debate from the perspectives of the leaders from both the North and South.

The event begins with Taps and patriotic songs at the flagpole in front of the school. It continues inside in the cafeteria, where there will be a memorial wall of deceased veterans who attended Sycamore High School, displays by the Sycamore Historical Society and local families of veterans, and live music performances.

Conflict Management

Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, Nov. 11

Place: KishHealth System Behavioral Health Services

More information: 815-748-8334 or kishprograms.org

Understand your own personal style of processing and reacting to conflict. Registration required.

Toddler Time

Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m.

Date: Tuesdays through April; next, Nov. 12

Place: Sycamore Public Library

More information: 815-895-2500

Music and stories for children aged 18 months to 3 years old.

DeKalb Retired Teachers Association

Time: 11 a.m.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 13

Place: Sweet Dreams Desserts and Catering, 1969 DeKalb Ave.

More information: 815-895-6752

Officers will be nominated and elected, and the speaker will be Douglas Moore, who will talk about insurance. Reservations required by Nov. 8.

Knee Pain Workshop

Time: Noon or 6 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 14

Place: Mitchel Lounge

More information: 815-895-3354

In this informational presentation by Sycamore Integrated Health, learn about treatment options to relieve knee pain and avoid knee replacement. A free meal is included. Registration by Nov. 11 required.

Wine sampling, upscale cuisine, live music by the Black Tie Jazz Trio and a silent auction of gift baskets. Tickets include an automatic entry into a raffle for one of 25 mystery prizes. Proceeds benefit the United Way's 23 local partner agencies.

Break-a-Thon Fundraiser

Time: 5 – 8 p.m.

Date: Friday, Nov. 15

Place: Bill Cho's United Tae Kwon Do Center, 1598 DeKalb Ave.

Cost: Break a board for $2; no limit on number of boards

More information: 815-895-2008

The fundraiser includes pizza and raffles. Proceeds help the family of Tyler Neppl, a local 8-year-old with neurofibromatosis, a rare genetic disorder.

Dancers from Northern Illinois University will lead a workshop for intermediate and advanced-level dancers. Reservations required.

Monkeys of the Bolivian Rainforest: Lecture for Adults, Monkey Business for Kids

Time: 2 – 3 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 16

Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.

Cost: Free with museum admission

More information: 815-895-9777 or mmnh.org

Anthropologist Leila Porter will discuss her work with species in the Amazon rainforest. There will be monkey-themed activities for children 4 and older.

Gospel and Bluegrass Concert

Time: 5 – 10 p.m.

Date: Third Saturday of each month; next, Nov. 16

Place: Sycamore Baptist Church, 302 Somonauk St.

More information: 815-895-2577

There will be an audience sing at 6 p.m. and acoustic bluegrass starting at 6:30 p.m. Musicians are invited to join throughout the evening. The concert is free; free-will donations are accepted.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Third Saturday of each month; next, Nov. 16

Place: Public Works Building, 475 N. Cross St.

Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.

Winter Bird Feeding

Time: 3 – 4 p.m.

Date: Monday, Nov. 18

Place: DeKalb County Extension office, 1350 W. Prairie Drive

Cost: $5

More information: 815-758-8194

Information on which bird species are likely to be attracted to different types of foods, foods to avoid, feeder care, water requirements, and budgeting for the winter commitment of feeding non-migratory birds.

Ingredients for Healthy Living: Holidays Without the Jiggle

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. – noon Thursday

Dates: Nov. 20 or 21

Place: Hy-Vee Club Room

Cost: $10

More information: 815-748-8962 or kishprograms.org

Learn tips on entertaining and getting through the holidays without adding extra pounds. Registration required.

WATERMAN

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Thursdays; next, Nov. 7

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.